Is wheatgrass a health food?

“Proponents of wheatgrass make many claims for its health properties, ranging from promotion of general well-being to cancer prevention. However, according to the American Cancer Society, “available scientific evidence does not support the idea that wheatgrass or the wheatgrass diet can cure or prevent disease”.[9]

Wheatgrass proponent Charles Schnabel claimed in the 1940s that “fifteen pounds of wheatgrass is equal in overall nutritional value to 350 pounds of ordinary garden vegetables”,[4] a ratio of 1:23.[7] Despite claims of vitamin and mineral content disproportional to other vegetables, the nutrient content of wheatgrass juice is roughly equivalent to that of dark leafy vegetables.“

So you can also just eat a bunch of spinach and be done with your health boost for the day.

Is wheatgrass tasty?

Wheatgrass is full of cellulose and thus stringy and fibrous unless you strain it through a cheesecloth which is messy.

In addition wheatgrass tastes as green as it looks, and while I love the smell of freshly cut grass, its not a palatable flavour.

So with wheatgrass you have to find a recipe that actually masks its overpowering grassy taste.

Its very zesty tang might make you pucker, but at least it helps to finish that one wheatgrass portion.

Is wheatgrass worth your money?

To my own surprise I liked the wheatgrass smoothie: It filled me up like a sandwich would have, without the sluggishness. It kept me light, as it’s a small portion of already ground up goodness. My sensitive IBS tummy felt good loaded with freshness and energy.

Given that there is no scientific evidence that wheatgrass is more effective than a placebo, I would not waste my money on it.

But if you really believe in the benefits of wheatgrass, why not grow your own: It is so easy, my pet rats get fresh wheatgrass all the time from our rattie garden.